Security increased for Old Trafford clash

Rangers fans will be held at Wigan's DW Stadium ahead of the Scottish club's Champions League clash with Manchester United due to fears over hooliganism.

Violence marred Rangers' last visit to Manchester, for the UEFA Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg at Eastlands in 2008, and security measures have been increased to prevent a repeat.

Rangers and United are determined to avoid a mass of Gers fans congregating in Manchester city centre and have asked Wigan for permission to use their ground as a stop-off point en-route to Old Trafford.

The DW Stadium will also function as an official ticket-collection for Rangers fans before they are escorted to the match by police.

Rangers are due to receive 3,500 tickets for the September 14 clash and the Scottish champions are determined to control distribution.

"All fans will meet at the DW Stadium where they will then be transported to Old Trafford," Rangers said in a statement. "There will be no exceptions. Supporters without tickets are strongly advised not to travel."